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Carmen BirchmeierView profile

Professor

• Developmental Biology
• Cell Biology
• Neuroscience
• +3 more

Carmen Birchmeier is a Full Professor at the Medical Faculty of Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin and a leading researcher at the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC). She coordinates the MDC Neuroscience Program and serves on the Executive Board of the NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence. Her research focuses on developmental biology, cell signaling, and the molecular mechanisms underlying nervous system and muscle development. Education: PhD in Molecular Biology from the University of Zürich (1984), followed by postdoctoral training at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (1984–1989). She established her independent research group at the Max Delbrück Lab in Cologne (1989–1995) before moving to Berlin. Research Interests: Investigates signal transduction pathways (e.g., Notch, ErbB, and c-Met) in developmental processes, including neural crest cell migration, muscle progenitor cell differentiation, and Schwann cell myelination. Her work bridges molecular genetics, mouse models, and cellular biology to uncover mechanisms of tissue formation and disease. Awards: Recipient of the Leibniz Award (2002) and EMBO Membership (2001). Her contributions to developmental neurobiology have been recognized internationally. Leadership & Grants: Deputy Speaker of SFB 665 (Developmental Disturbances of the Brain), DFG Fachkollegium Member, and advisor to multiple institutes including the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry. Her work spans academic and clinical research collaborations. Labs/Teams: Heads the Signal Transduction/Developmental Biology Research Group at MDC, focusing on interdisciplinary approaches to understand developmental disorders and regenerative medicine strategies.

• Vertebrate Paleontology
• Evolutionary Developmental Biology
• Origin of Tetrapods
• +1 more

Per Erik Ahlberg is a Professor of Evolutionary Organismal Biology at Uppsala University since 2003. His research spans vertebrate paleontology, evolutionary developmental biology, and the origins of key morphological innovations in jawed vertebrates and tetrapods. Academic Affiliations: Uppsala University (2003-present), The Natural History Museum, London (1994-2003), University of Oxford (1989-1994) Leadership Roles: Head of Subdepartment, Director of SciLifeLab Uppsala's Zebrafish Facility Research Focus: His work investigates the evolutionary transitions from fish to tetrapods, jaw development, and the integration of fossil evidence with developmental genetics. He employs synchrotron imaging and comparative anatomy to analyze ancient vertebrate structures. Grant History: Recipient of major grants including five awards from the Swedish Research Council (2003-2019), two ERC grants (2008 and 2021), and multiple Wallenberg Scholarships (2010-2020), totaling over €6 million in direct funding. Scientific Contributions: His publications in Nature and Science have redefined understanding of early vertebrate evolution, with notable discoveries about tetrapod trackways (2010), neural crest development (2005), and placoderm jaw anatomy. Honors: Elected to Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences (2012), Linnaeus Gold Medal (2012), Wallenberg Scholarship (2010, renewed 2016)

• Neuroscience
• Neurocardiology
• Gut-Brain Axis
• +5 more

Rui Chang is an Associate Professor at Yale University School of Medicine , jointly appointed in the Department of Neuroscience and Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology . His research focuses on organ-to-brain circuits and neurocardiology with specific interest in Parkinson's disease . He completed his B.S. in Biological Sciences at Tsinghua University (2005) Ph.D. in Neuroscience at University of Southern California (2011) Postdoctoral training in the lab of Stephen Liberles at Harvard Medical School (2017) Research Highlights: The Chang lab employs single-cell gene expression profiling , virus-based anatomical mapping , and optogenetics to investigate vagal interoceptive systems and their roles in cardiovascular regulation and gut-brain axis dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases. Their work has revealed a multidimensional coding architecture for visceral sensory signals. Notable Scientific Awards: McKnight Neurobiology of Brain Disorders Award (2021) NIH Director’s New Innovator Award (2019) Kavli Faculty Innovative Research Award (2019) NIH K01 Mentored Research Scientist Award (2017) Keystone Symposia Future of Science Scholarship (2016) Collaborative Network: Chang collaborates with experts in neurodegeneration (David A. Hafler, MD), biostatistics (Hongyu Zhao, PhD), and neural imaging (Le Zhang, PhD). His work intersects with the Stephen & Denise Adams Center for Parkinson’s Disease Research and Kavli Institute for Neuroscience .

Emtiyaz KhanView profile

Researcher

• Machine Learning
• Bayesian Inference
• Deep Learning
• +2 more

Emtiyaz Khan is a Researcher at the RIKEN Center for AI Project in Tokyo, Japan. His work focuses on Bayesian deep learning, optimization, and variational inference methods. He leads research on the Bayesian Learning Rule framework, which bridges deep learning optimization with Bayesian principles. His research interests include developing scalable Bayesian methods for large neural networks, uncertainty quantification in deep learning, optimization algorithms (natural gradients, variational inference), and applications to foundation models. Key areas are efficient adaptation methods, model sensitivity analysis, and Bayesian principles for deep learning. Khan's publications demonstrate strong focus on Bayesian deep learning, optimization techniques, and uncertainty estimation, with applications ranging from large-scale models (GPT-2, ImageNet) to theoretical foundations of variational inference. He leads the Team Approx-Bayes research group focused on approximate Bayesian inference methods and maintains collaborations through JST CREST-ANR and Kakenhi grants.

• Aging
• Animal Cell and Molecular Biology
• Genetically Modified Animals
• +5 more

Judith West-Mays is a Professor in the Department of Pathology & Molecular Medicine at McMaster University . Her research focuses on: Molecular mechanisms of eye development and disease Role of transcription factors (AP-2β, AP-2α) in ocular morphogenesis Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGF-β) signaling in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) in vision disorders Biomaterials for intraocular pressure management Key scientific contributions include: Elucidating AP-2β's role in trabecular meshwork formation and glaucoma Characterizing MMP-9's impact on aqueous humor drainage Developing conditional knockout mouse models for vision research Investigating YAP signaling in lens fibrosis Creating mucoadhesive micelles for glaucoma therapy Scientific awards : Brockhouse Canada Prize (2025) for interdisciplinary vision health research Teaching : Biomedical Engineering II (2018) at McMaster University. Collaborators include Taiyab, Sheardown, and Ball. Research hubs involve McMaster's interdisciplinary vision science team.

Zhi LiView profile

Assistant Professor

• Hydrological Modeling
• Flood Prediction
• Drought Monitoring
• +9 more

Zhi Li is an Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado Boulder's College of Engineering and Applied Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering. He leads the newly established Flood Lab, focusing on flood prediction and monitoring through remote sensing and coupled hydrologic-hydraulic models. Joined CU Boulder in Fall 2025 Former Dean's Postdoc Fellow at Stanford University PhD in Civil Engineering & Environmental Science from University of Oklahoma (2022) His research spans hydrological modeling , extreme events , and AI4Science applications, particularly in deep learning and intelligent agents for flood risk assessment. Li’s work also connects floods with public health and economic systems , aiming to develop the Flood-Agriculture-Climate-Economics-Disease (FACED) framework. Key Themes: High-resolution flood modeling Climate change impacts on hydro-meteorology Remote sensing integration Flood-agriculture interdependencies Global health implications Scientific Awards: Dean's Postdoc Fellow, Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability (2023) Hoving Fellowship, University of Oklahoma (2019) Li’s recent publications emphasize improved precipitation estimation (IMERG V07), Brown Ocean Effect studies, and Fourier neural operators for rapid flood forecasting. His collaborative work with NOAA and NASA focuses on comparing ground-based and spaceborne radar systems for extreme event analysis.

Albert ErivesView profile

Associate Professor

• Regulatory Genomics
• Evolutionary Genomics
• Evolution of Metazoa
• +6 more

Albert Erives is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Iowa , specializing in regulatory genomics, evolutionary genomics, and the evolution of metazoans. His research focuses on decoding gene regulatory logic in DNA sequences, particularly during animal embryogenesis, using comparative genomics to identify regulatory modules driving phylogenetic transitions. PhD from University of California, Berkeley His work spans eukaryotic gene regulation, integrating biochemistry, molecular genetics, and computational biology to uncover principles of organismal evolution. Recent studies include viral nucleosome structure, Notch signaling pathway evolution, and enhancer organization in model organisms like Drosophila and Ciona . Notable scientific awards include the NSF CAREER Award (2012, 2010) . He actively seeks graduate students and postdoctoral researchers for his laboratory, which utilizes core facilities such as the Carver Center for Genomics.

• Paleontology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Vertebrate Evolution
• +3 more

Per Ahlberg is a Professor at Uppsala University's Department of Organismal Biology, specializing in vertebrate evolution and paleontology. His research focuses on early vertebrates, particularly Devonian tetrapods, placoderms, and the transition from fish to land vertebrates. He employs advanced imaging techniques like synchrotron tomography to study fossil anatomy and preservation. Key areas of study include the evolution of jaws, teeth, and skeletal structures in early vertebrates, as well as the ecological and environmental contexts of major evolutionary transitions. His work integrates anatomical, paleontological, and developmental approaches, collaborating on projects such as the analysis of the Gogo Lagerstätte fossils and the study of tetrapod trackways. Ahlberg's publications highlight contributions to understanding vertebrate origins, such as discoveries related to Romundina stellina and Ventastega curonica, which bridge gaps between fish and tetrapods. He has also addressed broader topics like fossil nomenclature stability and post-extinction ecosystem recovery.

Anthony AntonellisView profile

Professor

• Transcriptional Regulation
• Genetic and Molecular Mechanisms of Mendelian Disease
• Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetase Mutations
• +3 more

Anthony Antonellis is a Professor of Human Genetics at the University of Michigan Medical School. His research focuses on transcriptional regulation and the genetic and molecular mechanisms of Mendelian disease, particularly mutations in aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases linked to neuropathies and neurodevelopmental defects. He is affiliated with the Antonellis Laboratory and the Cell and Molecular Biology (CMB) program. Implicit Bias Training Allayship Training Anti-Racism Training Disability Awareness Training Bystander Training Gender Bias/Discrimination Training Research areas include studies of gene regulation via cis-acting elements in myelinating cells, and the role of tRNA charging enzymes in neurodegenerative and developmental disorders. His group employs model organisms like yeast and zebrafish to explore clinical heterogeneity and disease mechanisms. Articles highlight Mendelian disorders, neuropathy genetics, tRNA synthetase dysfunction, and neurogenetics, with emphasis on translation to clinical diagnostics and therapeutics. Contact: antonell@umich.edu

Gerald H. ThomsenView profile

Professor

• Developmental Biology
• Embryology
• Molecular Genetics
• +3 more

Gerald H. Thomsen is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology at Stony Brook University, where his research focuses on molecular mechanisms of embryonic development using Xenopus frogs and Nematostella vectensis sea anemones. His laboratory investigates growth factor signaling pathways, ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation, and transcriptional regulation during early development. His primary research areas include TGFß superfamily signaling (specifically Vg1/nodal/activin and BMP pathways), ubiquitin ligase function in cell differentiation, and evolutionary developmental biology through comparative studies of vertebrates and cnidarians. Current projects examine Smad-interacting factors, Smurf ubiquitin ligases, and the molecular basis of regeneration in sea anemones, with implications for understanding human developmental disorders and birth defects. Dr. Thomsen's publications reveal consistent focus on developmental signaling mechanisms across diverse model organisms, with recent work emphasizing CRISPR/Cas9 applications in Xenopus and evolutionary conservation of developmental pathways. His laboratory maintains active collaborations with researchers at the University of Florida and University of Hawaii, particularly on Nematostella vectensis functional genomics and regeneration studies, as evidenced by co-authored publications on cnidarian developmental mechanisms.

Sean PalecekView profile

Professor

• Biomedical Engineering
• Stem Cell Research
• Tissue Engineering
• +4 more

Sean Palecek is the Milton J. and A. Maude Shoemaker Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. His research focuses on engineering platforms to regulate human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) differentiation for cardiovascular and neurovascular applications. He is based in 3637 Engineering Hall and leads the Palecek Lab, which develops innovative methods for stem cell fate specification and tissue engineering. BChE, Chemical Engineering, University of Delaware MS, Chemical Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign PhD, Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Postdoc., Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Chicago His research integrates stem cell biology with biomaterials and engineering principles to generate functional cardiomyocytes, brain endothelial cells, and mural cells. His lab leverages Notch3 signaling, proteomics, and organoid systems to model diseases and develop regenerative therapies. Current projects emphasize hypoimmunogenic cardiac organoids, vascular grafts, and blood-brain barrier models for neurotherapeutic screening. The 15 most recent articles highlight his work in human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) differentiation to cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, and brain mural cells. Key trends include organoid manufacturing , neurovascular unit modeling , metabolic profiling , and biomaterials for cell transport . His team explores Notch3 activation, SNRK signaling, and transcriptional analysis to optimize cell therapy and disease models. Scientific contributions include the Milton J. and A. Maude Shoemaker Professorship, a named chair recognizing his leadership in chemical and biological engineering. For more details, visit his lab’s website: Palecek Lab .

Jau-Nian ChenView profile

Professor

• Cardiovascular Development
• Zebrafish Genetics
• Cardiac Biology
• +4 more

Jau-Nian Chen is a Professor in the Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology at the University of California Los Angeles within the College of Letters and Science. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying cardiac development, with a particular emphasis on using zebrafish as a model system to study heart formation, function, and disease. Chen's research program centers on cardiac development and gene regulatory networks, with significant contributions to understanding transcriptional regulation in heart development. His laboratory investigates how transcription factors and chromatin regulators control cardiac specification, morphogenesis, and function. A major focus of his recent work involves the Rtf1 component of the PAF1 complex and its role in transcriptional elongation during cardiogenesis. His research spans multiple areas including cardiac arrhythmia mechanisms, mitochondrial calcium handling in cardiomyocytes, and the genetic regulation of cardiac proliferation during development and regeneration. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on transcriptional regulation in cardiac development, particularly through the PAF1 complex and Rtf1. His work increasingly integrates molecular genetics with functional physiology in zebrafish models to understand both normal cardiac development and disease mechanisms. The research spans from basic developmental mechanisms to potential therapeutic applications, with particular emphasis on calcium signaling, transcriptional control, and cardiac regeneration. Dr. Chen has been Principal Investigator on multiple NIH-funded research projects, including the current R01 grants "Impacts of transcription elongation on cardiac gene regulation during homeostasis and regeneration" (R01HL155905) and "Rtf1-dependent transcriptional regulation of heart development" (R01HL140472). His research program has been continuously funded by the National Institutes of Health since 2001, demonstrating sustained scientific impact in the field of cardiovascular development.

John ManakView profile

Professor

• Genetics
• Neurobiology
• Genomics

John Manak serves as Professor and Biomedical Sciences Program Director in the Department of Biology at the University of Iowa, conducting research at the intersection of genomics, genetics, and neurobiology. His work employs model organisms including Drosophila and Xenopus to investigate human genetic disorders and develop translational therapies. His academic background includes: PhD from Columbia University Dr. Manak's research focuses on identifying causative mutations for congenital anomalies such as spina bifida, branchio-oto-renal syndrome, renal agenesis, and cleft lip/palate. His lab discovered ISM1 as a critical craniofacial patterning gene and elucidated PRICKLE's role in epilepsy-ataxia syndromes using fly models. Current work explores glial immune responses and oxidative stress pathways in seizure progression, with potential for repurposing anti-inflammatory drugs as novel anti-epileptic therapies. Analysis of his 2019-2023 publications reveals consistent emphasis on copy-number variation analysis in craniofacial disorders and epilepsy mechanisms. Key trends include identification of novel clefting genes (COBLL1, RIC1, ARHGEF38), chromatin organization studies involving Dm-Myb, and translational approaches targeting neuroinflammation. His work bridges fundamental genetic discovery with clinical applications through integrated genomic and physiological analyses. No scientific awards were specified in the source material. As principal investigator, Dr. Manak mentors graduate students and postdoctoral researchers while securing research funding evidenced by his publication record in high-impact journals including Nature, PNAS, and Cell Reports. His leadership extends to directing the Biomedical Sciences Program and contributing to departmental research initiatives. His laboratory maintains active research programs utilizing Drosophila for epilepsy modeling, Xenopus for craniofacial studies, and mammalian systems for neuroprotection research. The lab collaborates extensively with University of Iowa core facilities including the Carver Center for Genomics and Carver Center for Imaging, employing techniques ranging from CRISPR-based gene editing to electrophysiological analysis of neural circuits.

Marcelo RivoltaView profile

Professor

• Sensory Stem Cell Biology
• Hearing Regeneration
• Inner Ear Biology
• +3 more

Professor Marcelo Rivolta is a Professor of Sensory Stem Cell Biology in the School of Biosciences at the University of Sheffield. His research focuses on developing stem cell-based therapies for hearing loss, with particular emphasis on regenerating damaged inner ear structures. His educational background includes an M.D. from the University of Córdoba, Argentina (1989) and a Ph.D. from the NIH in Bethesda, Maryland, USA and the University of Córdoba, Argentina (1992-1995). Professor Rivolta's research interests center on sensory stem cell biology and regenerative therapies for hearing loss. His laboratory has made key advances in stem cell technologies for potential hearing restoration therapies. They isolated stem cells from the human fetal cochlea and developed protocols to drive otic differentiation from human pluripotent stem cells. The group has demonstrated that hESC-derived otic progenitors can repair damaged cochlea in animal models, showing functional recovery as measured by auditory brainstem thresholds. Currently, they are exploring the combination of stem cells with cochlear implants to develop a "bionic ear" and using stem cells to create in vitro platforms for drug discovery. Professor Rivolta is part of Otostem, an international consortium with partners in Stanford, Harvard, Geneva, Uppsala, Tübigen and Marseille. His work has significant implications for the millions of people worldwide affected by hearing loss. His scientific awards and honors include: Trustee of the charity 'The Ear Foundation' Reviewer for leading scientific journals Reviewer for research proposals submitted to Action on Hearing Loss, Deafness Research UK, The Wellcome Trust, MRC, BBSRC and other funding bodies Invited speaker at numerous national and international meetings Professor Rivolta teaches Stem Cell Biology at both undergraduate (BMS382) and Masters (BMS6051, BMS6056) levels. He leads the Hearing Research Group at the University of Sheffield, which focuses on regenerative therapies for hearing loss using human stem cells. His laboratory works on developing protocols for otic differentiation from human pluripotent stem cells and testing these in animal models of hearing loss.

• Gastroenterology
• Paediatrics
• Regenerative Medicine
• +3 more

Dr. Conor McCann is a Lecturer in Paediatric Regenerative Medicine at University College London (UCL), affiliated with the Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health and the Developmental Biology & Cancer Department. His research focuses on gastrointestinal tract development, enteric nervous system regeneration, and cell therapies for gut diseases. Education: PhD in Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology (2010) from University of Nevada, Reno BSc (Hons) in Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences (2005) from Queen's University of Belfast His work emphasizes: Functional development of the gut Regenerative cell therapies Enteric nervous system stem cell transplantation Genetic and microenvironmental regulation of cellular fate Key research trends include: Stem cell applications in gut motility disorders Neural regeneration for Chagas disease and Hirschsprung's disease Developmental mechanisms in neuroepithelial structures Role of signaling pathways (e.g., Ret) in enteric neurogenesis Drug delivery systems for paediatric applications Scientific contributions: Guts UK Derek Butler Fellowship (2017) Principal Investigator status at UCL Leadership in the Gut Development and Repair Group Teaching activities: Co-Director of UCL MSc Cell & Gene Therapy program Lecturer for Molecular Aspects of Cell and Gene Therapy module Professional engagements: International Society for Stem Cell Research (2024) Physiological Society (2015) BSDB – British Society for Developmental Biology (2012) He co-leads the INSPIRE program promoting inclusive research education and contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (3: Good Health, 4: Quality Education, 10: Reduced Inequalities).